According to new research done by Queen Mary University of London, the UK seems to have some problems locating a sink. Apparently an estimated 26% of hands in the UK have fecal bacteria present, 14% of bank notes and 10% of credit cards also had traces as well.
To help promote the UN’s Global Hand Washing Day (yes, there is such a thing), the UFE (Urine Feces Everywhere) would like to ramble off a few little facts. Adding to our cell phone article, fecal matter can be found in one of six cell phones and bacteria can remain unchanged (at room temperature) for two weeks on an object.
The reason why we are mentioning the UK in this article is due to the fact that out of the men and women polled by Dr. Ron Cutler (no relation to the quarterback), 99% claimed that they washed their hands after going to the restroom! But was this the right answer, or were some people too embarrassed to be honest.
“People may claim they wash their hands regularly but the science shows otherwise,” says Cutler.
Some of the “methods” used by our UFE team have been questioned, but the research that went into this study reminds me more of a sting operation because there were electronic recording devices used. These devices actually proved that out of the 99% of would-be washers, that only 32% of men and 64% of women washed their hands after using the toilets.
Math was never my strongest subject, but correct me if in saying that 99% is slightly higher (even when rounded up) than 32% and 64%. Even more of a math brain buster is the low numbers of hand washers the UK had even with the H1N1 virus in 2009. According to Harvard University, Britain’s numbers were the worst of the five countries in the study.
Another fun fact is that the hands of a British person is magic and does not need to be clean…well, maybe not that far, but according to Dr. Lisa Ackerley ”It’s peculiar but many people in the UK don’t think they carry any diseases”.
In case you were wondering, and even if you weren’t; the average person’s hands carry around 3,000 different bacteria that belonging to more than 100 species. Here is a little “cheat sheet” for those who need some practice washing.
- Wet hands, apply soap and rub palms together until soap is bubbly
- Rub each palm over the back of the other hand
- Rub between your fingers on each hand
- Rub backs of fingers (interlocked)
- Rub around each of your thumbs
- Rub both palms with finger tips then rinse
- Dry your hands well
There is a specific issue for the UK. Its all because of society.
I think you are right, the UK holds themselves high and probably think they are too good and proud to wash.
Brits probably think the same about us. Sports fans have proved we are dirty as well.
Where do I get that toilet seat and cover!!